SPORTS WRAP
Landen Sturges’ days as a punter and kicker could very well continue in college. That would follow in the footsteps of fellow OHS grads Sam and Drew Henson and Carter McCauley.
Sturges averaged over 43 yards per punt this fall – 10 yards more than his junior year – and among the best in the state. He put 10 of his 33 punts inside the 20-yard line. At least a couple travelled more than 60 yards thanks to great bounces.
“Right now, I’m just trying to explore, get my name out there. I’m relatively new to the punting and kicking world, coming in a little bit later. I hoped to make a big splash into it. Still trying to keep all options open. Be willing for any opportunity I can get,” he told Owatonna Live.
Sturges is a longtime soccer player, who converted from goalkeeper to defense this fall. “I noticed I’ve always been able to kick a soccer ball really, really far.”
One day at soccer practice a couple of years ago, Drew Henson (OHS Class of 2023), who also played both soccer and football for the Huskies, suggested he give football a try.
“Over the summer I was able to train and hone in on the small techniques. I was able to come into the fall with a better understanding and be able to make that big jump. Credit to the lifting coaches Ryan Guenther and Jerry Eggermont for getting me in the weight room.”
“It’s something I knew I could do. I just needed the coaching and support around that I was lucky enough to get my senior year when it mattered most,” said Sturges.
Sturges drilled a 37-yard field goal to lift the Huskies to a homecoming victory over New Prague, was three-for-five on field goal tries and 18-of-20 on extra points this fall.
Soccer success
He scored a long-range goal in a soccer win over Winona this fall. His coaches encouraged him. “If you’re 60, 70 yards out, just put it on frame and something will happen. Especially with the strong wind, they said, ‘Go for it. Put it on that back post and see what the goalie’s going to do.’ I didn’t even really know it went in until all my teammates started running back at me. Then it kind of hit that it went in and when I found out no one actually hit it, it was really exciting,” Sturges added.
Flemke commits
OHS defensive lineman Max Flemke is primed for college football after committing to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a top-10 team in Division III.
He told Owatonna Live, “I’m really excited. It’ll definitely be a change, going from a three-year starter to maybe a bench guy. Hopefully, not a bench guy.”
He’s being realistic. “Probably won’t start my first year. Making that big jump from high school to college. All on my own playing football. Not having my mom to do my laundry will be a big jump and a big change,” said Flemke.
He will join Huskies’ grads Grant Achterkirch (OHS Class of 2022) and Zach Dahnert (OHS Class of 2025) on the Eagles’ roster.
Coach award
Owatonna High School’s Josh Halva is the Section 1AAAA Coach of the Year in volleyball. The Huskies went 20-10 overall and 10-1 to finish as Big Nine Conference runner-up. OHS hosted its first section match since 2016, beating Rochester Century to reach the semifinals, where they lost to Lakeville North in four sets.
During an Owatonna Live interview, Halva credited the seniors with a recent turnaround for the program. “They lead by example. Not only their words but the effort they put in everyday sets an example for the younger kids for the future.”
Drop the puck
Don’t look now but the prep winter sports season is here. The Huskies girls’ hockey team opened against section rival Farmington on Tuesday, Nov. 11. OHS hosts Apple Valley on Thursday, Nov. 13, on OwatonnaLive.com.
Owatonna Dance Team opens its season on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Burnsville. ODT will not have a home competition this season but will host their annual community show on Jan. 31 at OHS.
Official practice began Monday, Nov. 10 for OHS girls basketball, boys hockey, and the defending state champion gymnastics squad.